Cleaning of swimming pools

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaner. The swimming pool cleaner comprises a pool cleaner body comprising a conduit with an inlet end and an outlet end. The conduit defines a flow path through the body. The body is connectable to a water source from which a water stream can be directed through the conduit. The swimming pool cleaner further comprises a receptacle which is connected to the body and has an inlet opening outside the conduit. The inlet opening of the receptacle is directed or faces in an operatively upstream direction towards the inlet end of the conduit. The receptacle defines a receptacle pocket for receiving solid material which enters the inlet opening of the receptacle.

THIS INVENTION relates to the cleaning of swimming pools. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to swimming pool cleaners. Theinvention provides for a swimming pool cleaner, for a swimming poolcleaning arrangement, and for a method of operating a swimming poolcleaner in a swimming pool. The invention provides also for and extendsto a swimming pool cleaning kit.

Swimming pool cleaning systems typically include a water circulationsystem, which may include an in-line filtration stage, in which water iswithdrawn from the pool, by means of a pump, and is then re-introducedinto the pool, after having passed, if applicable, through thefiltration stage. More particularly, such cleaning systems typicallyinclude an unfiltered water inlet, typically comprising a weir orskimmer, which is provided in or adjacent the pool, such that water fromthe pool surface flows into the weir. Water is then drawn from the pool,by action of the pump, through the weir to the filtration stage, inwhich the water may be subjected to filtration through one or more of avariety of filtering media, typically including filtering screens and/orsand. After being subjected to filtration, filtered water (filtrate) isreturned to the pool though a filtered water outlet.

Automatic swimming pool cleaners are generally employed in conjunctionwith such a water circulation system of a swimming pool and are used toremove solid materials, such as dirt, debris and other foreignmaterials, from bottom and sidewall surfaces of the swimming pool.Typically, such automatic pool cleaners are of the so-calledsuction-type and employ suction provided by the circulation system pumpin withdrawing an unfiltered water stream from the pool, in which streamsolid material, which is picked up from the bottom and sidewall surfacesof the swimming pool, is conveyed to be filtered out of the water in thefiltration stage. The operating area and freedom of motion of suchsuction-type swimming pool cleaners are limited, in that they areconfined to operation on bottom and sidewall surfaces of the pool andare only able to pick up solid material which has settled to the bottomof the pool, or which adheres to side walls of the pool. Theabovementioned limitations of operating area and freedom of motion ofsuction-type pool cleaners lead to foreign materials on the pool watersurface or in suspension in the pool water, not readily being removedfrom the pool, until these materials settle to the bottom, or adhere tothe side walls of the pool. As suction-type pool cleaners are typicallyconnected to the circulation system at the weir of the pool, removal offoreign materials from the water surface is inhibited or prevented, aslimited volumes of surface water are withdrawn from the pool through theweir and virtually all water thus enters the circulation system throughthe pool cleaner. It is possible to employ a second weir, but such asolution is not economically attractive, as the pool construction andconfiguration of the pool's filtration system need to be altered inorder to incorporate such a second weir. Manual surface cleaning is alsoan option, but is cumbersome and time-consuming. A further difficultyassociated with suction-type pool cleaners is that, due to the generaluse of a diaphragm valve to generate convulsive or jerking movement ofthe pool cleaner, operation of the pool cleaner is often interrupted bysolid material which gets stuck in the diaphragm.

The Applicant believes that the present invention will alleviate atleast some of the abovementioned difficulties which are associated withsuction-type swimming pool cleaners.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided aswimming pool cleaner, which comprises

a pool cleaner body comprising a conduit with an inlet end and an outletend and which defines a flow path through the body, the body beingconnectable to a water source from which a water stream can be directedthrough the conduit; and

a receptacle connected to the body and having an inlet opening outsidethe conduit, the inlet opening being directed or facing in anoperatively upstream direction towards the inlet end of the conduit, andthe receptacle defining a receptacle pocket for receiving solid materialwhich enters the inlet opening of the receptacle.

In this specification, as is also indicated above and at certaininstances hereinafter, the terms “downstream” and “upstream” are to beunderstood to be used in relation to an operative direction of waterflow along the flow path provided by the conduit of the pool cleanerbody.

The conduit, and hence the pool cleaner body, may be tubular, typicallybeing in the font of a pipe or a hose. Preferably, the pool cleaner bodymay be flexible, being manufactured of a flexible material.

The receptacle may be mounted to the body in collar- or sleeve-fashion,such that the receptacle pocket extends, or is defined, radially aboutthe pool cleaner body, with the pocket being directed or extendingtowards the outlet end. In other words, the receptacle may thus bemounted to the pool cleaner body such that the receptacle completelysurrounds at least a part of the pool cleaner body. In such a case, thepool cleaner body may thus project into and extend through the pocket.

The receptacle may taper in cross-section, relative to the flow path ofthe flow conduit, from an open upstream or inlet end of the receptacle,which defines the inlet opening, towards a downstream end of thereceptacle, such that the downstream end of the receptacle substantiallycloses about the body. It is to be appreciated that, in such a case, thereceptacle pocket will thus also be tapered, typically in longitudinalsection. It is further to be appreciated that, when the receptacle ismounted to the pool cleaner body in collar-fashion as hereinbeforedescribed, the downstream end of the receptacle may typically be closedat least partly by an outer surface of the pool cleaner body. Moreparticularly, the downstream end of the receptacle may close orterminate against or around the pool cleaner body in annular fashion.

The receptacle may be mounted to the pool cleaner body by means of areceptacle mounting which comprises at least an upstream element and adownstream element, to which elements the upstream and downstream endsof the receptacle are respectively mounted. Thus, the upstream elementmay typically define the upstream inlet opening of the receptacle andthe downstream element may define at least a part of the downstreamclosed end of the receptacle. It is to be appreciated that, at theclosed downstream end of the receptacle, the downstream element maytypically be in close abutment with the pool cleaner body, thus closingthe receptacle against the body.

In particular, the upstream element may have a mounting portion, bywhich the upstream element is mounted to the pool cleaner body, and areceptacle connecting portion, to which the upstream end of thereceptacle is connected and which supports the upstream end of thereceptacle in an open condition. Typically, the mounting portion maycomprise an annular sleeve which can receive therethrough and be mountedin close abutment with the pool cleaner body. In such a case, thereceptacle connecting portion may be radially spaced from the mountingportion, being retained in its radially spaced position by radiallyextending aims.

The receptacle may, at least in part, be of a porous or foraminousmaterial so that water is able to pass through the receptacle, withoversized solid material, which may be suspended or carried in waterwhich may pass through the receptacle, be retained in the receptacle insieve-fashion. Preferably, the receptacle may be of a net material. Insuch an embodiment, the upstream and downstream elements of thereceptacle mounting may typically be in the form of support or tenterelements, with respective upstream and downstream ends of the net beinganchored to the respective tenter elements and the net element thusbeing supported or tentered between the tenter elements.

An outlet nozzle may be mounted to the outlet end of the conduit, thenozzle defining a nozzle conduit therethrough which is in communicationwith the flow conduit defined by the body.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the nozzle maybe pivotally or angularly displaceable relative to the body such that atleast a portion of the nozzle conduit is also displaceable relative tothe flow conduit of the body in a substantially pivotal or angularfashion.

The nozzle may typically have flow dispersing formations which arearranged in a flow dispersing flow channel provided at least partiallyabout and externally to an external periphery of at least a portion ofthe nozzle conduit, such that pivotal displacement of the nozzle bringsthe dispersing flow channel and thus the flow dispersing formations intoflow communication with the flow conduit of the body.

Preferably, the outlet nozzle may, in an embodiment as alluded tohereinbefore, have an upstream portion and a downstream portion whichrespectfully define an upstream nozzle conduit portion and a downstreamnozzle conduit portion, with the upstream nozzle conduit portion beingconnected to the body and the downstream nozzle portion being pivotallyconnected to the upstream portion. Typically, the downstream portion mayalso comprise more than one part in order to facilitate assembly of thenozzle. The downstream nozzle conduit portion or part thereof maytypically also define a pivot chamber, upstream from the downstreamnozzle conduit portion and from the flow dispersing formations, in whichpivotal displacement of the upstream nozzle conduit portion is allowedrelative to the downstream nozzle conduit portion.

In addition, or alternatively, the nozzle may have a flow regulatingelement which is adjustable to adjust the flow rate at which water exitsthe nozzle, thereby to adjust the force which the water stream exerciseson the pool cleaner as it exits the conduit.

The pool cleaner may be provided with a number of accessories, some ofwhich may typically be employed to adjust buoyancy thereof. Thus, thepool cleaner may typically be provided with removable weights, which maybe selectively attached to the pool cleaner, preferably to the poolcleaner body, so as to vary or control buoyancy of the pool cleaner.Additionally, or alternatively, the pool cleaner may be provided withremovable cleaning elements, typically in the form of brush elements,which may also selectively be attached to the pool cleaner, preferablyto the pool cleaner body but typically also to the receptacle mountingor portion thereof.

The pool cleaner would, in use, be driven by hydraulic means, operating,of course, in a body of water. More particularly, the pool cleaner maybe driven by a water stream which passes through the conduit.Preferably, the water stream may be pumped or jetted into and throughthe conduit, such that the water stream exercises a resultant force onthe pool cleaner when the water stream exits the conduit outlet end,thereby driving the pool cleaner to move in an operatively upstreamdirection relative to the direction of flow through the conduit. It willbe appreciated that pumping or jetting water through the conduit mainlyby applying suction, i.e. negative pressure, to the conduit, or, morepreferably, by pumping water, from the water source, through theconduit.

The pool cleaner may typically be employed in a swimming pool having awater circulation system comprising a pump which withdraws water fromthe swimming pool through a circulation system inlet and returns waterto the swimming pool through a circulation system outlet. In such anembodiment, the water source may thus be the water of the swimming poolin which the pool cleaner is employed. Thus, the water source may be thecirculation system outlet of the water circulation system of theswimming pool. The pool cleaner body may thus be connectable to thecirculation system outlet such that the conduit is in flow communicationwith the circulation system outlet.

Connection of the pool cleaner body to the circulation system outlet maybe effected by means of a connector or connection piece and, optionally,a flexible pipe or hose. The connector may include a flow regulatingelement which may be adjustable to vary the volume and flow rate ofwater which is delivered to the pool cleaner from the water source,thereby to control the force with which the pool cleaner is driventhrough the swimming pool water.

It is envisaged that, in use, by mounting the receptacle to the bodysuch that the receptacle pocket is defined in a downstream directionwith the inlet opening of the receptacle being directed in an upstreamdirection, displacement of the body in an upstream direction due to theforce of the water stream exiting the body through the conduit outletresults in the receptacle being displaced along with the body in agenerally upstream direction, thereby effectively dragging thereceptacle through the water in a roughly scooping movement andcollecting solid material from the water or the swimming pool floor orwall in sieve-fashion, as hereinbefore described.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided apool cleaning kit, which includes

a pool cleaner body comprising a conduit with an inlet end and an outletend and which defines a flow path through the body, the body beingconnectable to a water source from which a water stream can be directedthrough the conduit; and

a receptacle which defines a receptacle pocket for receiving solidmaterial therein, the receptacle being connectable to the body such thatan inlet opening thereof is provided outside the conduit and is directedor faces in an operatively upstream direction towards the inlet end ofthe conduit.

The invention extends also to a pool cleaning kit which includes a poolcleaner in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and atleast one extension hose.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided aswimming pool cleaning arrangement, which includes

a swimming pool water circulation system comprising at least a pump, acirculation system inlet through which water is withdrawn from aswimming pool by the pump, and a circulation system outlet through whichwithdrawn water is reintroduced into the swimming pool by the pump; and

a swimming pool cleaner in accordance with the first aspect of theinvention, the pool cleaner being operatively connected to thecirculation system outlet.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of operating a pool cleaner in a swimming pool, the methodincluding

passing a water stream through a conduit defined in a body, therebydisplacing the body in an operatively upstream direction relative to thedirection of water flow in the flow path through the conduit; and

collecting, in a receptacle mounted to the body and having an openingdirected in an operatively upstream direction to define a receptaclepocket in an operatively downstream direction, solid materials from theswimming pool.

The pool cleaner may be a pool cleaner in accordance with the firstaspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a swimming poolcleaner in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation, in longitudinal cross-sectionalview, of a swimming pool cleaner arrangement, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a circulation systemoutlet connection piece used in conjunction with circulation systemoutlet nozzle in the form of an aim-flow nozzle of the assembly of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of apool cleaner outlet nozzle of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodimentof a pool cleaner outlet nozzle of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hose connection ofthe assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of brush and weightelements of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows, in longitudinal cross-sectional view, another embodimentof a weight element;

FIG. 9 shows an end view of the weight element of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows, in three dimensional exploded view, another embodiment ofa pool cleaner outlet nozzle of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 shows, in longitudinal section, the outlet nozzle of FIG. 10 inan assembled axially aligned condition;

FIG. 12 shows, in longitudinal section, the outlet nozzle of FIG. 10 inan assembled axially misaligned condition; and

FIG. 13 shows, in longitudinal section, a swimming pool outletconnection element for connecting the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 to aswimming pool outlet nozzle.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, reference numeral10 generally indicates a pool cleaner in accordance with the invention.As is also indicated above and in certain instances hereinafter, allreferences to upstream and downstream directions, unless indicatedotherwise, are to be regarded in relation to an operative direction offlow of water through the pool cleaner 10, as is designated by the arrow15.

The pool cleaner 10 has a body in the form of a flexible corrugated pipeor hose 12. In other embodiments of the invention, the pipe 12 may, ofcourse, be non-flexible, i.e. rigid. It will be appreciated that thepool cleaner hose 12 constitutes a flow conduit which defines a flowpath, designated by reference numeral 14, along which water can flowthrough the hose 12.

As also indicated above, the arrow 15 indicates an operative directionof water flow in the conduit 14. Thus, as will be appreciated, the hose12 has an upstream inlet end portion 12.1 and a downstream outlet endportion 12.2. The inlet end portion 12.1 and outlet end portion 12.2respectively define female and male connection pieces which render theend portions 12.1, 12.2 matingly connectable to elements which havecomplementary male and female connection pieces. More particularly, theinlet portion 12.1 defines an outwardly flared inlet conduit portion14.1, which tapers in internal cross-section in a downstream direction.The outlet portion 12.2 defines an outwardly tapered outlet conduitportion 14.2, which tapers in external cross-section in a downstreamdirection.

A receptacle 16, comprising a tentered net material 17, is mounted tothe hose 12 between two tenter elements 18, 20. The one tenter element18 comprises a mounting sleeve 18.1 by which the tenter element 18 ismounted snugly to the hose 12, with the hose 12 being received by andpassing through the mounting sleeve 18.1. Although it is notillustrated, the mounting sleeve 18.1 may be provided with fastening orclamping means which fasten the mounting sleeve 18.1, and thus thetenter element 18, to the hose 12. Four supporting arms 18.2 (only twoof which are visible) project radially in a generally downstreamdirection from the mounting sleeve 18.1 to an annular supporting element18.3, having a diameter greater than of a diameter of the hose 12, thesupporting element 18.3 thus being radially spaced from the hose 12. Thesupporting element 18.3 is circular in outline.

The other tenter element 20 is generally annular in shape and is mountedsnugly to the hose 12 in a sleeve-like fashion. The tenter element 20 isused in conjunction with a retaining element 20.1 which is also annularin shape and which is mounted loosely on the hose 12, also insleeve-like fashion, upstream from the tenter element 20.

One end 17.1 of the net material 17 is anchored to the supportingelement 18.3. The supporting element 18.3 supports the end 17.1 of thenet material 17 in an open condition, radially spaced from the hose 12,thereby defining a receptacle inlet, which is generally indicated byreference numeral 22. It will be appreciated that the inlet opening 22is directed or faces in a generally upstream direction relative to theoperative direction of flow 15 in the conduit 14, i.e. towards the inletend portion 12.1 of the hose 12. As the supporting element 18.3 iscircular in outline, the inlet opening 22 of the receptacle is alsocircular. Although not illustrated as such, it is preferred that thesupporting element 18.3 has at least one straight portion, with theinlet opening 22 thus also having at least one straight portion inoutline. Preferably, the supporting element may have more than onestraight portion, typically having a multi-sided geometric outline, e.g.triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal etc. It isexpected that, in having such at least one straight portion, collectionof debris from surfaces, particularly from a bottom surface, of theswimming pool in which the pool cleaner 10 operates, will be facilitatedas a contact area between the surface and a straight portion of thesupporting element 18.3 is larger than in the case of a curved portionof the supporting element 18.3 contacting the surface, such as would bethe case when the supporting element 18.3 is circular in outline, as inthe illustrated embodiment. In a case wherein the supporting element18.3 is not circular, the number of supporting arms 18.2 which supportthe supporting element 18.3 may also be varied, depending on the shapeof the supporting element 18.3.

Another end 17.2 of the net material 17 is received by the second tenterelement 20 and is fastened thereto. The end 17.2 of the net material 17passes through the retaining element 20.1, upstream from the tenterelement 20 in relation to an operative direction of flow 15 in the flowconduit 14.

Anchoring of the net material 17 to, or between, the supporting element18.3 of the first tenter element 18 and the second tenter element 20, issuch that the net material is tentered in a tapered fashion, tapering ina downstream direction relative to the operative direction of flow 15inside the conduit 14. Thus, the net material 17 defines a taperedreceptacle pocket, the pocket being generally designated by referencenumeral 24. It will, of course, be appreciated that, in accordance withthe invention, the receptacle pocket 24 may also not be tapered and maybe substantially cylindrical, depending on the manner in which the netmaterial 17 is tentered between the tenters 18, 20. The receptacle isclosed off by the second tenter element 20 at downstream end of thereceptacle, relative to the operative direction of flow in the conduit14. It will be appreciated that the receptacle pocket 24 extendsradially from and thus radially surrounds a part of the hose 12.

It is envisaged that one or both of the tenter elements 18, 20 may beprovided, on their outer periphery, with circumferentially spacedcleaning elements or brush modules which may, by abrasive contact, cleansurfaces of the swimming pool with which they may come into contact.

Referring now to FIG. 2, reference numeral 30 generally indicates, insectional view, a schematic representation of a pool cleaner arrangementin accordance with the invention. Sectioning of the various componentsor elements of the arrangement 30 is illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 3through 7 by the application of hatching.

The arrangement 30 includes the pool cleaner 10 of FIG. 1. Indesignating the parts of the pool cleaner 10, the same referencenumerals are used as in FIG. 1. To facilitate representation of thearrangement 30, the inlet end portion 12.1 and outlet end portion 12.2of the hose 12 of the pool cleaner 10, as well as other components orelements of the arrangement 30 as set out hereinafter, are illustratedin broken fashion. Further, in contrast to FIG. 1 and the other elementsof the arrangement 30 in FIG. 3, the pool cleaner 10 is shown in plainside view and not in sectional view.

The hose 12 of the pool cleaner 10 is connected, at the inlet portion12.1 thereof, in flow communication with an outlet nozzle of a poolwater circulation system of a swimming pool in which the pool cleaner isemployed, the outlet nozzle being in the form of a so-called aim-flownozzle 32. As will be appreciated, the circulation system and swimmingpool are not illustrated. The circulation system, however, typicallycomprises, in addition to the aim-flow nozzle 32, a circulation systeminlet, typically in the form of an overflow or weir, and a pump whichwithdraws water from the swimming pool through the circulation systeminlet and returns the withdrawn water to the swimming pool through thecirculation system outlet or aim-flow nozzle 32.

The aim-flow nozzle 32 comprises a nozzle housing 32.1 which is mountedin a wall of the swimming pool (not illustrated). A spherical spoutelement 32.2, having a conduit 32.3 therethrough, is swivelably housedin the housing 32.1. Thus, by swivelably displacing the nozzle element32.2 in the nozzle housing 32.1, a direction of water flow through thenozzle 32 can be adjusted.

The hose 12 is not connected directly to the aim-flow nozzle 32, but bymeans of first and second extension hoses 34A, 34B, which are alsoillustrated in broken fashion. The hoses 34A, 34B, similarly to the hose12, have inlet and outlet end portions 34A.1/34B.1, 34A.2/34B.2 whichrespectively constitute female and male connection pieces. It will beappreciated that, although only two extension hoses are illustrated, thepool cleaner arrangement 30 can also include more than two extensionhoses, depending on the length of the extension hoses, the size of theswimming pool in which the pool cleaner 10 operates, as well as thelength of the pool cleaner hose 12.

A connection 36 between the inlet end portion 12.1 of the hose 12 and anoutlet end portion 34A.2 of the extension hose 34A, as well as aconnection 38 between the inlet and outlet end portions 34A.1, 34B.2 ofthe extension hoses 34A, 34B are secured by means of clamps 39, whichclamps 39 fasten the hoses 12, 34A; 34A, 34B to each other. The clamps39 are also shown in broken fashion. It will be appreciated that,although the respective end portions 12.1, 34A.2; 34A.1, 34B.2 are notillustrated in engaged fashion, due to the broken illustration of theclamps 39, these portions will typically, in use, be matingly engaged. Arepresentation of the connections 36, 38 is illustrated more clearly inFIG. 6.

Reference numeral 40 designates one embodiment of a circulation systemoutlet connection piece which is mounted to the aim-flow nozzle 32 andenables connection of the inlet end portion 34B.1 of the extension hose34B to the aim-flow nozzle 32. The connection piece 40, as it is mountedto the aim-flow nozzle 32, is shown in more detail in FIG. 3.

Thus, referring to FIG. 3, the connection piece 40 has a conduit 41therethrough. The conduit 41 has a first cylindrical portion 41.1,defined by a mounting portion 42 of the connection piece 40. The firstcylindrical portion expands into a second cylindrical portion 41.2 ofgreater diameter than the first cylindrical portion 41.1. The secondcylindrical portion 41.2 is defined by an outlet portion 44 of theconnection piece 40. An outlet end 44.1 of the outlet portion 44 istapered in an operatively downstream direction, thus forming a maleconnection piece, similar to those of the hoses 12, 34A, 34B, therebyrendering the circulation system outlet connection piece 40 matinglyconnectable to the inlet end portion 34B.1 of the hose 34B. The mountingportion 42 of the connection piece 40 is snugly received axially insidethe conduit 32.3 of the spout element 32.2 of the aim-flow nozzle 32 tomount the connection piece 40 to the nozzle 32. Although notillustrated, it is envisaged that the connection piece 40 may haveadditional securing components, such as a flange-like base member whichis securable or fastenable to the housing 32.1 of the aim-flow nozzle32, typically by means of screw-thread.

Four circumferentially spaced apertures, only three of which arevisible, being designated by reference numeral 43, are defined in a wallof the second conduit portion 41.2 of the connection piece 40. It willbe appreciated that less or more than four apertures 43 may be provided.A circumferentially displaceable flow regulator 47 is circumferentiallydisplaceably mounted to the outlet portion 44 of the connection piece40, such that the regulator 47 passes over the apertures 43. Theregulator 47 has a roughly egg-shaped aperture 45 defined therein. Asthe regulator 47 is circumferentially displaced about the outlet portion44 of the connection piece 40, the aperture 45 is selectively andprogressively brought into register with the apertures 43, therebyproviding a second water outlet from the connection piece. It will beappreciated that by maximizing the degree of overlap between theaperture 43 and the aperture 45, more water exits through theoverlapping apertures 43, 45, thus reducing water flow rate through theconnection piece 40. The provision of four apertures 43 is seen asadvantageous, as the direction in which water exits the connection piece40 through the created second outlet can be varied, depending on withwhich of the apertures 43, if any, the aperture 45 overlaps.

Reference numerals 46A and 46B respectively designate differentembodiments of pool cleaner outlet nozzles which may be connected to anoutlet end portion 12.2 of the hose 12 of the pool cleaner 10. Theoutlet nozzles 46A, 46B, in arrangement with the outlet end portion 12.2of the hose 12, are shown more clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively.

Each nozzle 46A, 46B is circular in cross-section and has a conduit46A.1, 46B.1 therethrough.

The conduit 46A.1 of the nozzle 46A has an inlet portion 46A.2 whichtapers in internal cross section in an operatively downstream directionand thus defines a female connection in the nozzle 46A, therebyrendering the nozzle 46A matingly connectable to the outlet end portion12.2 of the hose 12.

The conduit 46B.1 of the nozzle 46B also has an inlet portion 46B.2which tapers in internal cross section an operatively downstreamdirection and thus defines a female connection in the nozzle 46B,thereby rendering the nozzle 46B matingly connectable to the outlet endportion 12.2 of the hose 12.

Referring, in particular, to FIG. 4, the nozzle 46A has a segmentedoutlet portion 48 comprising four circumferentially spaced outletportion segments 50, only two of which are visible. The segments 50 areresiliently displaceable towards each other by a biasing element 52,which is screwed onto the end portion 48 of the nozzle 46A by means of ascrew thread. Screw thread, by which the biasing element 52 is screwedonto the end portion 48, is not illustrated. A rear portion 48.1 of theend portion 48 tapers in external cross section in an operativelydownstream direction, thereby defining an abutment surface 48.2 againstwhich a biasing portion 52.1 of the biasing element 52 abuts.Displacement of the biasing element 52 in an operatively upstreamdirection by screwing the element 52 along the screw thread thus resultsin the biasing portion 52.1 of the biasing element 52 engaging andacting in on the abutment surface 48.2, thereby urging the outletportion segments 50 towards each other and effectively reducing adiameter of the outlet portion 48. An annular spacing element 53 ispositioned in the outlet portion 48, between the segments 50. Thespacing element 53 urges the segments 50 away from each and eventuallyreturns the segments 50 to a normal position as the biasing element 52progressively disengages the abutment surface 48.2 when the biasingelement 52 is displaced, i.e. threaded or screwed, in an operativelydownstream direction. It will be appreciated that, in use, reduction ofthe diameter of the outlet portion 48 will result in the velocity orflow rate of water exiting the nozzle 46A increasing.

The nozzle 46A is further provided with an elastic element 51,circumferentially mounted adjacent an end of the outlet portion 48 ofthe nozzle 46A. When the biasing element 52 is not operatively engagedwith the abutment surface 48.2, and the segments 50 are thus notresiliently displaced towards each other, substantially being in a restcondition, the elastic element 51 is stressed. As the segments 50 aredisplaced towards each other, as hereinbefore described, the elasticelement urges end portions of the segments 50 towards each other, thusensuring that the outlet defined by the segments is well-defined. Theelastic element 51 is spaced from the biasing element 52.1, such thatfour apertures, only one aperture 55 being visible, arecircumferentially defined between the segments 50 when the segments 50are not in abutment with each other. It is expected that these apertures55 will allow air to be drawn into the water stream which exits theconduit 46A.1, thereby increasing the turbulence of the water stream.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the nozzle 46B has an outlet portion 54. Aperipheral aperture 56 of circular cross-section is defined in theoutlet portion 54. It will be appreciated that, if desired, more thanone peripheral aperture may be provided. The outlet portion 54 isfurther provided with a circumferentially displaceable annularflow-regulating element 58, which is circumferentially mounted to theoutlet portion 54, over the aperture 56. The element 58 has aflow-regulating aperture 58.1 defined therein, the aperture beingillustrated in circumferential register with the aperture 56. It will beappreciated that, by bringing the aperture 58.1 in register with theaperture 56, an additional water outlet, to an outlet of the nozzle, isprovided in the outlet portion 54. Depending on the degree of overlapbetween the aperture 58.1 and the aperture 56, at least some water,which would have exited through the nozzle outlet, exits through theadditional outlet, thus reducing the flow rate through the nozzleoutlet. The flow rate of water through the nozzle outlet can thus becontrolled by the flow-regulating element 58. Alternatively, and morepreferably, the flow-regulating element 58 may be omitted from thenozzle 46B, such that the aperture 56 is permanently open. It isexpected that, by such an arrangement, when the nozzle 46B moves above awater surface of the swimming pool in which it operates, it is possiblethat air may be sucked into the outlet water stream, resulting in theoutlet stream being broken and the pool cleaner returning to below thewater surface. The Applicant has found that it is advantageous, althoughnot required, that when the aperture 56 is permanently open, an outletconduit portion 46B.3 of the conduit 46B.1, defined by the outletportion 54, has a greater inner diameter D1 than an inner outletdiameter D2 of the inlet portion 46B.2 of the conduit 46B.1. The outletportion 54 may further be provided with additional peripherally arrangedoutlet passages 69 from which water can exit the conduit 46B.1. It isexpected that these additional outlets 69 will enhance turbulence of thewater stream exiting the nozzle 46B, thereby to bring and keep insuspension materials which may have precipitated on a bottom surface, orfloor, of the swimming pool.

In an alternative embodiment of the nozzle 46B, the outlet portion 54 ofthe nozzle 46B may have an inner diameter D1 equal to that of the inneroutlet diameter D2 of the inlet portion 46B.2 of the conduit 46B.1. Insuch an embodiment, the aperture(s) 56 and thus the regulating element58 will be omitted and an inner surface of the outlet conduit portion46B.3 will be provided with a spiraled groove in order to causeturbulence of the water stream which exits the conduit 46B.1.

In FIG. 6, a more detailed representation of the connection 36/38 of thehoses 12,34A/34A,34B of FIG. 2 is illustrated.

Although not illustrated as such, and as mentioned hereinbefore, theconnection 36/38 of the hoses 12,34A/34A,34B normally includes a matingconnection between the inlet end portion 12.1/34A.1 of the hose 12/34Ato the outlet end portion 34A.2/34B.2 of the hose 34A/34B. As alsomentioned hereinbefore, connection 36/38 of the hoses 12,34A/34A,34B toeach other is secured by a clamp 39. The clamp 39 is part-circular incross-section, thus defining a circumferential opening or slit 71, andis of a resilient material, typically a plastic material. The clamp 39defines a part-circular clamping flange 39.1 on either end thereof. Eachclamping flange 39.1 thus has a circumferential opening 71 definedtherein. In use, the respective end portions 12.1,34A.2/34A.1,34B.2 ofthe hoses 12,34A/34A,34B, typically being matingly engaged, are insertedinto the clamp 39 through the circumferential opening 71 by resilientlyopening the clamp 39 to enlarge the circumferential opening 71 to enablepassage of the end portions 12.1,34A.2/34A.1,34B.2 of the hoses12,34A/34A,34B into the clamp. The flanges 39.1 then lock adjacentretaining protrusions 70 provided on the end portions12.1,34A.2/34A.1,34B.2 of the hoses 12,34A/34A,34B, thereby preventingadjacent connected hoses 12,34A/34A,34B from being disconnected fromeach other. It will be appreciated that connections between the nozzles46A/46B and the outlet end portion 12.2 of the hose 12 will also besecured, typically by clamps 39 as hereinbefore described. Thus, thenozzles 46A/46B are also provided with retaining protrusions 70 to whichthe clamps 39 can lock. The same applies to the inlet end portion 34B.1of the second extension hose 34B and to the connection piece 40.

The arrangement 30 of FIG. 2 may also include further accessories oroperating elements which may be mounted to any one or more of the bodyhose 12 of the pool cleaner 10, the nozzles 46A/46B, and the extensionhoses 34A/34B. Such accessories include weight elements 62 and cleaningbrush elements 64, which are illustrated more clearly in FIG. 7.

The weight elements 62 and brush elements 64 have annular bodies 63, 65,rendering them mountable to the nozzles 46A/46B, and/or the body hose 12and/or the extension hoses 36/38 in a sleeve-like or threading fashion.

Each weight element 62 has a circumferential passage 67 defined therein,in which passage a weight (not illustrated), such as a complementallyshaped metal or alloy, typically lead, element or ring is provided.

Each brush element 64 has two parallel rows of brush modules 66 disposedcircumferentially about an outer periphery of the brush element body 65.Of course, the brush element(s) 64 may also have one, or more than tworows of brush modules 66, which need not be parallel.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, reference numeral 70 generally indicates anotherembodiment of a weight element, respectively being illustrated inlongitudinal section and in end view. The longitudinal section is alongthe plane VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 9.

The weight element 70 is cylindrical, defining a passage 71therethrough, and is part-circular in transversal cross-section, thushaving a longitudinal opening 72 defined therein. The weight element 70is manufactured from a metal, the metal typically being nickel-plated toprotect the element 70 from rust.

In use, the weight element 70 is mounted to a hose, such as the hoses12A/34A/34B, by inserting the hose through the opening 72 into thepassage such that the hose is mounted snugly in the passage 71. It willbe appreciated that the width of the opening 72 is less than thediameter of the hose. Accordingly, the hose, typically being of aflexible material as also indicated hereinbefore, will be deformed whenbeing inserted into the passage through the opening 72.

In use, the arrangement 30 is typically installed in a swimming pool(not illustrated) having a water circulation system (not illustrated)comprising at least a pump which draws water out of the swimming poolthrough a weir and returns water to the swimming pool through acirculation system outlet. Preferably, the water circulation system alsoincludes an in-line filtering stage, typically a sand filtering stage.Installation is effected by initially connecting the circulation systemoutlet connection piece 40 to the aim-flow nozzle 32 of the swimmingpool. The second extension hose 34B is then connected to the connectionpiece 40 and the first extension hose 34A is connected to the secondextension hose 34B. The pool cleaner 10 is connected, at the inlet endportion 12.2 thereof, to the second extension hose 34A. One of theoutlet nozzles 46A, 46B is, optionally, connected to the outlet endportion 12.1 of the pool cleaner 10. It will be appreciated that one ormore weight elements 62 and brush elements 64 may also, optionally, beconnected to either the body hose 12 of the pool cleaner 10 and/or toone or more of the extension hoses 34A, 34B, depending on the desiredbuoyancy of the pool cleaner 10. Connections between the variouscomponents of the arrangement 30 are secured by the clamps 39.

When the water circulation system of the swimming pool is operational,water is pumped or jetted through the aim-flow nozzle 32, into theextension hoses 34A, 34B. Water is then conveyed through the extensionhoses 34A, 34B to the pool cleaner hose 12 of the pool cleaner 10. Thewater passes through the conduit 14 of the pool cleaner 10 and exits theconduit 14 through the outlet end portion 12.1 of the hose 12 of thepool cleaner 10 as a water jet stream.

The water jet stream which exits the conduit 14 exerts a resultant forceon the pool cleaner 10 and propels or drives the pool cleaner 10 in anoperatively upstream direction, relative to the direction of water flowin the conduit 14. It will be appreciated that such a drive arrangementis in contrast to conventional suction-type pool cleaners which aredriven by suction force which is delivered by the pump of the swimmingpool water circulation system. The receptacle 16 is also propelled in anoperatively upstream direction in a scooping fashion with water thusentering the receptacle pocket 24 through the inlet 22 and exiting thereceptacle pocket 24 through apertures in the net material 17. Oversizedsolid materials carried or suspended in the water which passes throughthe receptacle pocket 24 are thus retained in or picked up by thereceptacle 16, thereby being separated from the pool water and,eventually, being removed from the pool by manually emptying the pocket24 of the receptacle 16.

Adjustment of the regulator 47 of the circulation system outletconnection piece 40 and/or the biasing element 52 of the outlet nozzle46A and/or the flow-regulating element 58 of the outlet nozzle 46B,whichever is employed, results in the flow rate of the water jet exitingthe conduit 14 increasing or decreasing, depending on the manner inwhich the regulator 47 and/or either of biasing element 52 or flowregulating element 58 is/are adjusted. Accordingly, by varying the flowrate of the water jet, a speed at which the pool cleaner 10 moves or ispropelled through the swimming pool can be adjusted. Of course, when theflow regulating element 58 of the outlet nozzle 46B is omitted, ashereinbefore described, the effect may differ in that air gets suckedinto the outlet conduit portion 46B.3, resulting in water pressure beingdissipated.

Brush elements 64 are mounted to various parts of the arrangement 30, asdesired. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, brush elements 64 aremounted to whichever of the nozzles 46A, 46B are used, as well asadjacent an inlet end portion of the hose 12. Thus, as the pool cleaner10 moves through the swimming pool and comes into contact with wall andbottom surfaces of the swimming pool, the brush modules 66 come intocontact with these surfaces and act to dislodge dirt, algae and the liketherefrom, bringing these materials into suspension and rendering thematerials susceptible to be picked up by the receptacle 16 and/orremoved through the weir. The brush elements 64 also prevent the hosenozzle 46A/46B from contacting the pool surfaces, thus reducing wear onthe nozzle 46A/46B and increasing its lifespan for operation.

The same applies to other sections of the arrangement 30 to which brushelements 64 are mounted.

It is envisaged that, in addition to the pool cleaner 10, recreationalelements, such as toys etc. can also be included as part of thearrangement 30.

It is further envisaged that other types of additional cleaningequipment, such as a rake or the like, may also be operatively connectedto the swimming pool cleaner. It is expected that such additionalcleaning equipment, in particular a rake, may aid in the collection oflarger debris which cannot be contained within the receptacle pocket.

Further, it is also envisaged that, if desired, the arrangement mayinclude chemical dispensing means which may be mounted to the poolcleaner 10 or to any of the extension hoses 34A, 34B.

Referring now, in particular, to FIG. 10, reference numeral 100generally indicates another embodiment of an outlet nozzle, forconnection to the pool cleaner 10 in similar fashion as the nozzles 46A,46B.

The nozzle 100 comprises and assembly of a number of components, asillustrated in exploded view in FIG. 10. The components include anupstream nozzle element 102, a pivot element or ball 104, a downstreamnozzle element 106 comprising an upstream part 106 a and a downstreampart 106 b, a fluid dispersing ring 108 and a downstream nozzle conduitelement 110.

The upstream element 102 comprises a pool cleaner connection portion 102a and an upstream nozzle conduit portion 102 b. The upstream nozzleconduit portion 102 b is of lesser diameter than the connection portion102 a.

The downstream nozzle element 106, as mentioned, comprises an upstreampart 106 a and a downstream part 106 b. At an interface 112 (see FIG.11) between the upstream and downstream parts 106 a, 106 b, each part isdiametrically widened in relation to the rest thereof, the two parts 106a, 106 b thereby together providing a pivot chamber 114 (see again FIG.11).

The part 106 a of the downstream nozzle element 106 has an aperture 106c defined in an upstream end wall thereof 106 d, the aperture 106 chaving a lesser cross sectional diameter than a diameter of the pivotball 104 such that the pivot ball 104 is not able to pass through theaperture 106 c.

The part 106 b of the downstream nozzle element 106 has an inwardlyextending peripheral rim 106 e provided adjacent a downstream end 106 fthereof.

The pivot ball 104 has a generally spherical shape, having a passage ofcomplemental cross sectional outline to that of the upstream nozzleconduit portion 102 b, thereby being capable of being threaded onto theupstream nozzle conduit portion 102 b.

The fluid dispersing ring 108 tapers slightly in an operativelydownstream direction, being sized so as to be snugly accommodated withinthe pivot chamber 114, particularly in abutment with a downstreamperipheral wall 114 a thereof (see FIG. 11).

The downstream nozzle conduit element 110 is tubular and has twoarrangements 116 a, 116 b of radially extending flow dispersingformations 118 provided along the length thereof. An upstream end 110 aof the element 110 is slightly flared.

The components set forth above assemble to form or provide the nozzle100.

More particularly, as is illustrated in FIG. 11, the nozzle 100 isprovided by mounting the upstream nozzle element 102 to the upstreampart 106 a of the downstream nozzle element 106 b by inserting theupstream nozzle conduit portion 102 b through the aperture 106 c andthen threading the pivot ball over the upstream nozzle conduit portion102 b, thereby locating the pivot ball 104 in abutment with an innerface of the upstream end wall 106 d. It will be appreciated that thepivot ball 104 is capable of moving rotationally against the inner faceof the end well 106 d, thereby allowing for pivotal or angulardisplacement of the upstream nozzle conduit portion 102 b inside thepivot chamber 114, in the fashion illustrated in FIG. 12.

The typical direction of water flow through the nozzle 100 is depictedby the arrow “A” both in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12.

The downstream nozzle conduit element 110 is located co-axially withinthe downstream part 106 b of the downstream nozzle element 106 such thatthe downstream flow dispersing formation arrangement 106 a abuts againstan inner face of the peripheral rim 106 e It is to be appreciated thatthe space between an outer face of the peripheral wall of the downstreamnozzle conduit element 110 and an inner face of the peripheral wall ofthe downstream part 106 b of the downstream nozzle element 106constitutes a flow dispersing channel 120. The flow dispersing channelthus extends radially between the outer face of the peripheral wall ofthe downstream nozzle conduit element 110 and the inner face of theperipheral wall of the downstream part 106 b of the downstream nozzleelement 110, with the flow dispersing formation arrangements 116 a, 116b partially closing the channel 120 at their respective locations.

The fluid dispersing ring 108 is located, as mentioned above,peripherally in abutment with a downstream end wall 114 a of the pivotchamber 114. Although not clearly illustrated as such, it is to be notedthat an inner wall of the ring 108 is partially inwardly tapered andpartially cylindrical.

In use, the nozzle 100 is mounted to a downstream end of the poolcleaner 10 by means of the pool cleaner mounting portion 102 a in anassembled condition, as envisaged by FIG. 11. It is expected, and hasindeed been observed in trial runs conducted with the pool cleaner 10having the nozzle 100 mounted thereto, that the upstream and downstreamconduit portions 102 b, 110 of the nozzle 100 remain substantiallyaxially aligned as the pool cleaner 10 moves in a submerged fashionthrough the water in a swimming pool, substantially in the configurationillustrated in FIG. 11. However, should the pool cleaner 10, and thusalso the nozzle 100, breach the surface, it has been observed that thebuoyancy of the pool cleaner 10 is great enough for the pool cleaner 10to begin sinking again almost immediately. This is also, possibly,partly as a result of the erratic movement promoted by the force of thewater being directed through the flow conduit 12 of the pool cleaner 10.The nozzle 100, however, having breached the water surface, may beangularly displaced and thus lifted out of the water substantially intoto as the pool cleaner 10 re-submerges. It will be appreciated thatthis may result in water which is flowing through the conduit beingejected or jetted out of the nozzle and out of the pool, which isundesirable as the surrounding pool area becomes wetted and water iswasted. This situation impacts on the practicality of the pool cleaner.Optimal movement of the pool cleaner is also affected. However, in thecase of the nozzle 100, re-submergence of the pool cleaner pivots theupstream nozzle element 102 relative to the downstream nozzle element106, with the downstream nozzle element 106 thus typically still locatedor drifting on the water surface. As the pool cleaner 10 re-submerges,the upstream nozzle element 102 pivots in relation to the downstreamelement 106 as the submerging pool cleaner 10 effectively pulls it in adownward direction. This causes the upstream nozzle conduit portion 102b to be displaced out of alignment with the downstream nozzle conduitelement 110 and being brought into partial flow communication with theflow dispersing conduit 120. The observed advantage of this is that allof the water which is being passed through the upstream nozzle conduitportion 102 b does not exit the nozzle through the downstream nozzleconduit element 110, which may result in water being sprayed out of theswimming pool, but is dispersed by the dispersing formations 116 a, 116b, thereby being retained, substantially, within the swimming pool. Itis therefore to be appreciated that the configuration of the nozzle doesnot impact upon the driving force under which it is propelled forward,in that misalignment between the upstream and downstream nozzle conduitsin most cases only occurs when the pool cleaner 10, and thus the nozzle100, surfaces. Misalignment of the upstream nozzle conduit portion 102 band the downstream nozzle conduit element 110 has also been found topromote re-submergence of the pool cleaner 10.

It has been found that the employment of the dispersing ring 108 resultsin water exiting the upstream nozzle conduit portion 102 b, when it ismisaligned with the downstream nozzle conduit element 110, being spreadsubstantially evenly across the flow dispersing formations, therebyprohibiting ejection and thus dispersal of the water through only alimited number of the flow dispersing formations 118.

Referring now to FIG. 13, reference numeral 200 shows a swimming pooloutlet connection element for connecting the pool cleaner 10 to aswimming pool outlet nozzle, whether directly or by means of a number ofextension hoses.

The connection element 200 comprises a cylindrical body 202 whichdefines a flow path 203 therethrough. A circumferential rim 204 projectsradially about the body adjacent an upstream end thereof. The rim 204,in use, would act as an abutment formation by means of which the element200 would be mounted in a secured condition to the outlet nozzle of theswimming pool, typically by means of a nut or the like.

The connection element 200 further has two downstream projectinggripping members 206 a, 206 b, each inflecting radially outwardlyadjacent a downstream portion thereof. The members 206 a, 206 b areresiliently deformable and would, in use, serve to secure the poolcleaner conduit 12, or extension hoses connected thereto, to theswimming pool outlet nozzle for direction of a water streamtherethrough. More particularly, the members 206 a, 206 b would biasthemselves resiliently outwardly against an inner wall of the conduit 12or extension hose, thereby to grip and secure it in a position in whichit is in axial flow communication with the flow path 203 of the element200 and with the swimming pool outlet nozzle.

The Applicant regards it as an advantage of the invention, as described,that the pool cleaner 10 operates off, or is driven by, a poolcirculation system outlet (or exit side), rather than off a poolcirculation system inlet (or suction side) and expects that higher poolcleaning efficiency will be achieved by such an arrangement. However, asindicated hereinbefore, the Applicant expects that it may also bepossible for the pool cleaner of the invention to operate off the poolcirculation system inlet, or suction side.

Conventional suction-type pool cleaners, operating off and being drivenby suction delivered by a pump of the water circulation system, conveymost debris and solid materials which are picked-up from pool surfaces,and which are not removed in intermittent filtering stages, to an inlinepool filter of the swimming pool circulation system. Pool chemicalswhich precipitate on a bottom surface of the swimming pool are alsopicked up by such pool cleaners and are conveyed to the pool filter inwhich these chemicals may be filtered out. Materials, and chemicals,which are filtered out by the pool filter, then have to be removed fromthe filter by backwashing the filter. As will be appreciated,backwashing of the pool filter results in a loss of water, as well as aloss of filtered out chemicals. The efficiency of pool chemicals maythus be negatively impacted on by the usage of suction-type poolcleaners.

Further, as also alluded to hereinbefore, operation of suction-type poolcleaners are often interrupted by large pieces of solid material, suchas leaves and/or twigs, which become lodged in a diaphragm of the poolcleaner. This problem is obviated by the pool cleaner 10 of the presentinvention, as no transport or conveyance of solid materials occurs inthe conduit 14.

It should further be noted that, due to the unpredictability and erraticnature of the effect on the pool cleaner 10 of the force of the waterjet which exits the conduit 14, it is expected that random movement ofthe pool cleaner through the swimming pool will be effected, It isregarded as another advantage of the invention, as described, that therandom or irregular or erratic motion of the pool cleaner 10 results inthe pool cleaner having a more comprehensive and more randomizedcleaning path though the swimming pool and will not become caught-up ina fixed or memorized operating path, such as is typically the case withconventional surface-based suction-type pool cleaners. So-called “deadzones”, in which the pool cleaner does not operate due to becomingcaught-up in such a fixed operating path, are thus reduced or completelyavoided.

As will be appreciated, adjustment of the spherical outlet nozzle 32.2of the aim-flow 32 will result in a connection angle of the connectionpiece 40 being adjusted. Such an adjustment of the connection angle ofthe connection piece 40 is expected to influence an operating range orarea of the pool cleaner 10 and therefore provides adjustment means inaddition to the weight elements 62, whereby the operating range or areaof the pool cleaner 10 can be adjusted.

It is regarded as another advantage of the invention as described thatthe force with which the water jet stream exits the conduit 14, combinedwith the erratic movement of the pool cleaner 10, will enhance watercirculation in the swimming pool and will also keep more solid materialsin suspension in the swimming pool, thus rendering the materials moresusceptible to being scooped up by the receptacle 16. Enhancedcirculation of water in the swimming pool will also aid in preventingalgae from growing in the water and on surfaces of the swimming pool. Itis also expected that the water jet will dislodge dirt from surfaces ofthe swimming pool and bring these into suspension in the swimming poolwater so as to be picked up by the receptacle 16 of the pool cleaner 10.Further, enhanced circulation of water inside the swimming pool is alsoexpected to result in treatment chemicals, such as granular chlorine,being distributed more evenly through the swimming pool, thus notprecipitating on a bottom surface of the swimming pool, and beingdispersed more evenly throughout the swimming pool, thus leading to moreeffective use of these chemicals. As indicated hereinbefore, chemicalsare also not removed from the swimming pool by the pool cleaner 10, asthe pool cleaner 10 does not use suction force to operate. Chemicalwater treatment is thus enhanced by the pool cleaner 10 of the presentinvention.

The pool cleaner 10 further has much greater freedom of motion whencompared to suction-type pool cleaners which are confined to operationon surfaces of the swimming pool, as also alluded to hereinbefore. Thus,it is regarded as an advantage of the invention, as described, that thepool cleaner 10 is free to operate randomly within the water body in theswimming pool, and even on a surface of the water body, specificallywhere the water meets with the swimming pool wall where debris tend toaccumulate and algae tend to grow causing a unsightly ring or mark whichis, in Applicant's experience, not effectively cleaned by conventionalsuction-type pool cleaners which cannot effectively operate at such alocation. The present invention, particularly by means of the cleaningelements which are mountable to various portions thereof, addresses thisproblem.

It is regarded as yet another advantage of the invention, as described,that, due to the pool cleaner 10 operating off an outlet of the swimmingpool water circulation system, in the form of the aim-flow nozzle 32,and not off an inlet weir of the swimming pool circulation system, watercirculation directly though the weir remains possible, which would nothave been the case when a conventional suction-type pool cleaner isused. As a result, undersized solid material, which is not picked up bythe receptacle 16, is kept in suspension by the action of the water jet.At least some of these solid materials are eventually sucked into theweir and filtered out of the circulation system in the filtering stageof the circulation system.

The weight elements 62, when included in the arrangement 30, will act tovary the buoyancy of the pool cleaner 10, thus influencing an operatingheight of the pool cleaner 10 inside the swimming pool and also having abearing on the speed and degree of irregularity with which the poolcleaner 10 operates. It will be appreciated that, by including asufficient number of weight elements 62 in the arrangement 30, operationof the pool cleaner 10 may be confined to a bottom surface of theswimming pool. When operating on the bottom surface of the swimmingpool, the water jet stream will act to bring at least some solidmaterials, which may be located on the swimming pool floor, intosuspension so as to be removed from the swimming pool either by thereceptacle 16 or through the weir.

The Applicant also expects that the pool cleaner 10 of the inventionwill result in more efficient electricity usage, due to the expectedincreased operating efficiency of the pool cleaner 10 in relation toconventional suction-type pool cleaners.

The Applicant further expects that, due to the simplicity ofconstruction of the pool cleaner of the invention, the pool cleaner willalso be more economically attractive than complex conventionalsuction-type pool cleaners.

It is further regarded as another advantage of the invention that thepool cleaner operates less noisily than conventional suction-type poolcleaners.

1. A swimming pool cleaner, which comprises a pool cleaner bodycomprising a conduit with an inlet end and an outlet end and whichdefines a flow path through the body, the body being connectable to awater source from which a water stream can be directed through theconduit; and a receptacle connected to the body and having an inletopening outside the conduit, the inlet opening being directed or facingin an operatively upstream direction towards the inlet end of theconduit, and the receptacle defining a receptacle pocket for receivingsolid material which enters the inlet opening of the receptacle.
 2. Theswimming pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle ismounted to the body in collar- or sleeve-fashion, such that thereceptacle pocket extends, or is defined, radially about the poolcleaner body, with the pocket being directed or extending towards theoutlet end.
 3. The swimming pool cleaner according to claim 2, whereinthe receptacle surrounds at least a part of the pool cleaner body, withthe pool cleaner body projecting into and extending through the pocket.4. The swimming pool cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3inclusive, wherein the receptacle tapers in cross-section, relative tothe flow path of the flow conduit, from an open upstream or inlet end ofthe receptacle, which defines the inlet opening, towards a downstreamend of the receptacle, such that the downstream end of the receptaclesubstantially closes about the body.
 5. The swimming pool cleaneraccording to claim 4, wherein the receptacle is mounted to the body bymeans of a receptacle mounting which comprises at least an upstreamelement and a downstream element, to which elements the upstream anddownstream ends of the receptacle are respectively mounted, with theupstream element defining the upstream inlet opening of the receptacleand with the downstream element defining at least part of the downstreamclosed end of the receptacle.
 6. The swimming pool cleaner according toany one of claims 1 to 5 inclusive, wherein the receptacle is, at leastin part, of a porous or foraminous material so that water is able topass through the receptacle, with oversized solid material, which may besuspended or carried in the water which passes though the receptacle,being retained in the receptacle in sieve-fashion.
 7. The swimming poolcleaner according to any of claims 1 to 6 inclusive, wherein an outletnozzle is provided at the outlet end of the conduit, the nozzle defininga nozzle conduit therethrough which is in communication with the flowconduit defined by the body.
 8. The swimming pool cleaner according toclaim 7, wherein at least a portion of the nozzle is pivotallydisplaceable relative to the body such that at least a portion of thenozzle conduit is also displaceable relative to the flow conduit of thebody in a substantially pivotal fashion.
 9. The swimming pool cleaneraccording to claim 8, wherein the nozzle has flow dispersing formationswhich are arranged in a flow dispersing flow channel provided at leastpartially about and externally to an external periphery of at least aportion of the nozzle conduit such that pivotal displacement of thenozzle brings the dispersing flow channel and thus the flow dispersingformations into flow communication with the flow conduit.
 10. Theswimming pool cleaner according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein theoutlet nozzle has an upstream portion and a downstream portion whichrespectively define an upstream nozzle conduit portion and a downstreamnozzle conduit portion, with the upstream nozzle portion being connectedto the body and the downstream nozzle portion being pivotably connectedto the upstream portion.
 11. The swimming pool cleaner according toclaim 7, wherein the nozzle has a flow regulating element which isadjustable to adjust the flow rate at which water exits the nozzle. 12.A swimming pool cleaning kit, which includes a pool cleaner bodycomprising a conduit with an inlet end and an outlet end and whichdefines a flow path through the body, the body being connectable to awater source from which a water stream can be directed through theconduit; and a receptacle which defines a receptacle pocket forreceiving solid material therein, the receptacle being connectable tothe body such that an inlet opening thereof is provided outside theconduit and is directed or faces in an operatively upstream directiontowards the inlet end of the conduit.
 13. A swimming pool cleaningarrangement, which includes a swimming pool water circulation systemcomprising at least a pump, a circulation system inlet through whichwater is withdrawn from a swimming pool by the pump, and a circulationsystem outlet through which withdrawn water is reintroduced into theswimming pool by the pump; and a swimming pool cleaner in accordancewith claims 1 to 10 inclusive, the swimming pool cleaner beingoperatively connected to the circulation system outlet.
 14. A method ofoperating a pool cleaner in a swimming pool, the method includingpassing a water stream through a conduit defined in a body, therebydisplacing the body in an operatively upstream direction relative to thedirection of water flow in the flow path through the conduit; andcollecting, in a receptacle mounted to the body and having an openingdirected in an operatively upstream direction to define a receptaclepocket in an operatively downstream direction, solid materials from theswimming pool.
 15. A swimming pool cleaning kit, which includes a poolcleaner in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11; and at least oneextension hose.